Hotel Review: Andaz Seoul Gangnam, by Hyatt
Introduction
The Andaz Seoul Gangnam is a remarkable cultural blend that seamlessly incorporates elements from both the past and the future. The term "Andaz" is derived from Hindi, meaning “personal style,” and the Andaz Seoul truly exemplifies this concept with an impressive flair. With its distinct design aesthetic and contemporary reinterpretations of what a hotel can be and should feel like, we had the wonderful privilege of staying four delightful nights at this exceptional property, conveniently situated in the vibrant heart of Apgujeong.
I had planned on using a Hyatt Suite Upgrade Certificate to secure a luxurious suite at the Andaz Seoul Gangnam. At the time of check-in, the suite rate was approximately $800–$900 per night, which meant we were fortunate to obtain excellent value by booking with just 89,000 Hyatt Points. A quick calculation showed this translated to an extraordinary value — roughly $3,400.00 USD for a single night’s stay by the points-to-cash comparison.
Location | Andaz Seoul Gangnam
The Andaz Seoul Gangnam is conveniently located right next to the Apgujeong Station (Exit 3), making it very easy to travel around Seoul and the tourist areas quickly. Ideally, it’s a great location for those looking to uh, splurge a bit more on shopping and/or enjoy a series of high-end restaurants and bars. In fact, a station down is Sinsa Station, where the famed Garosu-gil area is located.
The hotel is adjacent to high-end shopping and dining: luxury boutiques, department stores, and boutique malls along Apgujeong and Teheran-ro are within a few minutes’ travel, while the sprawling COEX Mall with its aquarium and convention center is a 10–15 minute drive. Cultural and tourist sites such as Bongeunsa Temple and the trendy Garosugil area are nearby, offering a mix of traditional sights and contemporary cafés and fashion — ideal for guests wanting both business convenience and leisure exploration.
Check-In | Andaz Seoul Gangnam
Andaz Seoul Gangnam departs from conventional hotel arrivals: there is no formal desk-lined check-in counter. Instead, the property greets guests in a more relaxed, club-like manner, offering complimentary bottled water or a welcome drink as you arrive. This informal approach felt immediately personal and set the tone for what would be a pleasantly unhurried stay.
Ahead of arrival I had already applied a suite upgrade certificate, so I knew the minimum room category I could expect — an Andaz King Suite. When we checked in, the front-desk team confirmed that we had been allocated a generous King Suite; however, the room was not quite ready at that moment. The staff handled the situation gracefully and efficiently: rather than making us wait at the entrance, they suggested we complete the check-in formalities there and offered to have our luggage delivered to the suite as soon as it was prepared. That little touch — the option to be on our way immediately while the hotel finished the final room preparations — made the experience feel seamless and thoughtful.
With our luggage taken care of and a room assignment confirmed, we headed up to the second floor for lunch. The hotel’s casual check-in atmosphere carried through to the dining areas, where we enjoyed a beautifully presented tempura eel set. The meal was a highlight — delicate batter, perfectly cooked eel and balanced seasoning — and it exceeded our expectations, rounding out a smooth and welcoming arrival at Andaz Seoul Gangnam.
Andaz King Suite | Andaz Seoul Gangnam
We were given Room 1109, an end corner suite unit situated on the beautiful hotel grounds. I’ve taken the time to compare a wide array of various business luxury hotels, and I still feel that Andaz does the “home” feel the best, surpassing the rest in this regard. As you enter, you’re immediately welcomed by a delightful scent of hospitality and a spacious, massive living room, accompanied by a conveniently located powder room to your left.
Modern design defines the suite, with carefully selected furnishings and finishes that create a refined, high-end atmosphere—every detail, from the minibar to the waste bin, reinforces the sense of luxury. The layout flows from the living area to a well-appointed master bedroom, and the room’s technology is notably intuitive: a Harmon Kardon GigaGenie (Korean Alexa) functions as a central AoT controller and Bluetooth speaker, enabling voice control of features such as the motorized blinds and sheers. The accommodation offers generous storage—four large closets (one in the living foyer and three in the bedroom)—and an abundance of power options, including multiple USB ports and 220V outlets throughout the living room, bedroom and bathroom, providing practical convenience to match the suite’s polished aesthetic.
The bedroom bed is incredibly comfortable, and I found myself drifting off to sleep quickly with all the lovely, plush feather pillows surrounding me. I did find that the mattress was a bit harder compared to those at the Conrad Seoul and the Intercontinental Grand Seoul Parnas, but that’s certainly a matter of personal taste, I believe. Despite this, I still slept like a piggy snug in a warm blanket, so I had no real qualms with the bed's firmness. If anything, the room’s ability to close off multiple spaces with layers of sliding doors is what truly makes this suite so much fun and versatile. You can literally split the suite into four separate, partitioned sections, allowing for both privacy and togetherness.
A few minutes after checking in, the leader of the Guest Relations, JM, came and greeted us with a bowl of some incredibly sweet grapes and an orange, along with a fantastic bottle of wine. I easily downed the bottle at night after watching a bit of Running Man re-runs from the TV.
Bathroom | Andaz King Suite
Whether or not you visit the spa downstairs, the Andaz King Suite’s bathroom delivers a private, hotel‑grade spa experience within the room. Finished in striking white and grey marble with subtle veining, the space feels both contemporary and timeless—natural light filters in through a frosted glass panel, softening the stone’s sheen. A freestanding, centrally placed soaking tub sits on a raised plinth and is sized for a long, indulgent soak; a handheld spray and a built‑in shelf for candles or aromatics reinforce the sense of a ritualised bath.
The walk‑in shower is generously proportioned, tiled in matching marble and equipped with a ceiling‑mounted rain head plus a separate wall‑mounted jet for targeted massage. Water pressure is strong and consistent, and the temperature control is precise, delivering the kind of immersive, spa‑style rinse you’d expect after a long flight. High‑end fixtures in brushed nickel add a muted metallic contrast, while a recessed niche holds premium bath products from an upscale house—you’ll find rich body wash, a restorative shampoo, and a thick, conditioning balm.
Practical luxury is apparent in the details: heated floors keep the room comfortably warm, a backlit vanity mirror with built‑in demisting ensures clear visibility after steamy showers, and plush, oversized towels and a pair of waffle‑weave bathrobes are provided on a heated towel rail. Double sinks sit on a stone counter with ample surface space and soft‑close drawers stocked with grooming kits, dental sets, and extra toiletries. Ambient LED lighting is layered with task lights around the mirror and dimmable accents near the tub, allowing you to tailor the mood from bright and functional to low, relaxing illumination.
The bathroom amenities provided are also quite unique, featuring products from the esteemed brand, Christophe Laudamiel. Honestly, the bathroom has become one of my favorite areas of the entire room; with its unique design and thoughtful layout, it serves as a wonderful place to unwind and relax after an exhausting day.
Amenities | Andaz Seoul Gangnam
Stop on B2 and you arrive at the Summer House & Spa, a calm, well-appointed wellness destination within the Andaz Seoul Gangnam. The spa houses a professionally equipped fitness center, a dedicated Pilates studio and a serene indoor pool framed by a dramatic floor‑to‑ceiling screen that projects curated imagery of Seoul.
The fitness center is fitted with a comprehensive selection of strength and cardio equipment: free weights, selectorized weight machines, and functional training stations, together with aerobic machines such as treadmills, stairmills and stationary bikes. Trainers are available for private sessions and bespoke programs on request, and the facility supplies towels and basic workout accessories. The Pilates studio offers reformer equipment and space for mat classes, suitable for guests seeking low‑impact, core‑focused sessions or one‑on‑one instruction.
The spa’s thermal and bathing facilities are a highlight. The indoor pool is tranquil and private, ideal for lap swimming or relaxation while enjoying the city visuals on the large screen. The sauna and bathing complex provides a full range of toiletries and grooming amenities—individual hair and facial products are supplied in addition to the standard hand and body items—so guests can freshen up without carrying extras.
Bathing options include four temperature pools that range from iceberg‑cold to volcanic‑hot, designed for contrast therapy. Alternating hot and cold plunges can enhance recovery after strenuous exercise by promoting circulation and supporting muscle recovery; however, these practices are not recommended for beginners or guests with cardiovascular or other medical conditions. The spa team can advise on safe usage and tailor a routine based on individual fitness and health needs. Overall, the Summer House & Spa combines a modern fitness offering with restorative spa facilities, making it a convenient wellness hub for both active guests and those seeking relaxation during their stay.
The Restaurant |Jogakbo
The Andaz Seoul Gangnam hosts a series of three restaurants under the Jogakbo brand. From Seafood Grill, Meat & Co to the Bites & Wine, each kitchen offers a menu that is prepared by specialist chefs that invite diners to check out gourmet ingredients with each season. You can literally ascend to the restaurant by climbing the marble cladded stairs from the lobby. Jogakbo is split into three themes, a Meat focused one, a Seafood focused one, and a dessert focused one. From a wide offering of champagne to Korean styled tapas to some ridiculously great seafood dishes, this place is incredibly great to dine and wine at.
Seafood Grill
The Seafood Grill features fireside-cooking cuisine with Korean flavors. Life seafood from the markets a series of selective selections are given for your preparation. When we first checked into the Andaz Seoul Gangnam, we had our lunch here and had a blast with their extensive menu. I highly recommend to those reading this blog to get the Crispy Tempura Eel set. It’s 100% worth every bit of the 88,000 won. It serves 2 and comes with on a sizzling stone pot of white rice. Topped with pickled mustard leaves, confit garlic, pickled chili and spring onions, you’re then shown three delectable tempura eels that are then cut and placed together with the rice. My God, is this dish glorious!
We also got the fried soft shell crab and chips, along with the Mero - it was aged in miso sauce, clams grilled baby onions and pickled shallot. All were great and the service was attentive and fantastic from the get-go. We came back for dinner during a busy weekend and ordered the Galbi Fried Rice and the Grilled Eel. Both were equally great and was delicious to the very end.
Breakfast at Jogakbo
As a Globalist member, we were entitled to breakfast every day - and boy did we enjoy our mornings! Breakfast buffet was 52,000 won per person, which equated to 104,000 won per day. Yeah, it adds up quick without being a Globalist - that’s a total of 416,000 won saved for the 4 days there!
The breakfast selections were similar to the Conrad Seoul, though the style was apparent in a more unique twist to the basics, like eggs and their Eggs and Bacon Brioche Bun. Their Korean breakfast selection was also ample and had a lot of barchan and side selections. The croffile for me was the highlight of the day, as it was the one dish that I constantly got over and over again. The seaweed soup in the mornings was also a great choice to begin our day.
Room Service
We also had a night of room service dinner - the food portions were great, though I should have been wiser with my dinner choice of a Seafood Soybean soup, because I realized that the soup was literally identical to the one my wife had with her LA Galbi dinner dish. However, the multi-grain rice paired well with the soup and we both finished ours to the very end.
Curated for Class?
The Andaz Seoul is an unusual and wonderful hotel that excels both in the broad strokes and the finer details. Beyond its distinctive modern vibe and thoughtful decor, the property demonstrates consistent quality across guest rooms, spa, gym, pool and service—elements many hotels aim for but few execute so cohesively. Its location is excellent, and having access to the spa and pool added significantly to my stay; for guests who appreciate design-forward luxury with attentive, high-caliber service, the Andaz Seoul delivers.
It can be an expensive stay whether paying cash or using points, so you’ll need to decide if it represents good value for your priorities; I found it worth the cost, especially on points. With multiple Hyatt options in Seoul, choice will come down to what matters most to you—amenities, vibe or loyalty benefits—but for fans of the Andaz brand this property ranks among the best I’ve visited and has prompted me to try more Andaz locations. Every hotel, staff and guest is different, so results may vary, but the Andaz Seoul makes a strong case for itself.
Curated for Class Final Score | 41.5/50
Dare I say it? I think this is better than the Park Hyatt Seoul. Fantastic location, amazing service and surprisingly one of the best F&B hotels makes this one of the best Hyatt redemptions for those looking to visit Seoul. Did I mention the Instagrammable bathroom? My goodness.
Ambiance: 8/10
Room: 9/10
Food & Beverage: 8.5/10
Service: 8/10
Does it Feel Special: 8/10